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Writer's pictureRob Skuba

What Are The Benefits Of Learning Guitar For Kids, And What Will They Learn?


Austin Kid Learning How To Play Guitar and Read Sheet Music With Music Theory.
Austin Kid Learning How To Play Guitar and Read Sheet Music With Music Theory.

Music is a universal language that brings people together and evokes emotions. For children, learning to play the guitar can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. From improving their memory and intelligence to developing their creativity and social skills, the benefits of playing the guitar are vast and well-documented.


A Government-Commissioned Study Finds Positive Effects on Behavior and Intelligence: A study commissioned by the government found that children who learn to play the guitar in school experience positive changes in their behavior, memory, and intelligence. Researchers discovered that playing the guitar stimulates the left side of the brain, resulting in students remembering up to 20% more information compared to their non-musical peers. The study also found that playing the guitar activates multiple parts of the brain, including the areas that control hearing, memory, and the hands, leading to growth and positive changes in the brain's architecture.

Learning Music Theory Improves Memory
Learning Music Theory Improves Memory

Improves Your Memory

A recent study commissioned by the government found that learning to play the guitar at school can significantly enhance a child's behavior, memory, and intelligence. The results of the study, led by Lutz Jäncke, a psychologist at the University of Zurich, showed that playing the guitar stimulates various parts of the brain responsible for hearing, memory, and hand movements. These areas of the brain become more active and show growth, leading to a positive change in the brain's architecture. This effect was also observed in people over the age of 65.

Learning to play the guitar requires students to remember and recall various chords, songs, and techniques, all of which strengthen the brain's memory functions. Moreover, playing the guitar can increase the size of the left side of the brain, which is responsible for processing and retaining information. Thus, students who learn to play the guitar are capable of remembering up to 20% more information compared to those who don't play an instrument.


Enhances Your Creativity

Playing the guitar is a highly creative activity that allows you to express your emotions, ideas, and thoughts through music. Whether you're improvising or composing your own songs, the guitar is a versatile instrument that provides endless possibilities for creative expression. As you progress in your playing, you'll be amazed at the unique and unexpected melodies you'll come up with.

Playing the guitar can also stimulate your imagination and help you to think outside the box. By experimenting with different chords, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking techniques, you'll develop your musical creativity and grow as a musician.


Teaches You Discipline

Learning to play the guitar requires discipline, especially when it comes to practicing regularly and overcoming obstacles. As you master new techniques, you'll develop a strong work ethic and a sense of discipline that can be applied to other areas of your life.

For example, if you find it challenging to play a particular chord progression, you'll need to practice it repeatedly until you're able to play it effortlessly. This requires patience, perseverance, and discipline, which will help you to develop a strong character and a positive attitude.

Develops Social Skills & Teamwork

Playing the guitar with others can help to develop your social skills and sense of teamwork. When you collaborate with other musicians, you'll learn to listen to each other and respond to each other's playing. This requires you to be attuned to other people's emotions and to understand the way they play, which can help you to develop empathy and social awareness.

Playing the guitar with others can also provide a sense of community and belonging. Whether you're playing in a band or just jamming with friends, you'll form strong connections with others who share your passion for music.


Improves Your Math Performance

There's a strong connection between music and math, and playing the guitar can help to improve your mathematical abilities. Research suggests that musicians process music in the same cortical regions that adolescents process algebra.

For example, reading guitar tabs and sheet music requires you to understand and interpret musical notation, which involves recognizing patterns, counting beats, and calculating time signatures. All of these skills can be transferred to your mathematical abilities, helping you to understand mathematical concepts more easily and effectively.


Enhances Your Coordination

One of the most notable benefits of playing the guitar is the improvement in hand-eye coordination. As you play, your hands are moving in complex and often contrasting patterns, which requires a level of coordination and dexterity. This coordination is developed and improved with practice, and can also be applied to other areas of life. In addition to this, reading guitar tablature and sheet music involves the brain converting that information into specific motor patterns, which further improves coordination.


Increases Your Confidence & Self Esteem With Music and Guitar Lessons
Learning Music and Guitar Increases Your Confidence & Self Esteem

Increases Your Confidence & Self Esteem

When learning guitar, it is easy to set small goals, such as playing through a piece of music or even just playing to the end of a line. Accomplishing these goals will give you a great sense of achievement, and as you progress, performing in front of others can help build confidence and increase self-esteem. This boost in confidence can carry over into other areas of life, and can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with low self-esteem or self-doubt.


Sharpens Your Concentration

Playing the guitar requires focus on multiple aspects of music, such as pitch, timing, rhythm, and fingering. This can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to build mental strength and concentration. The more you practice, the stronger your brain becomes at focusing, and the easier it becomes to stay focused on complex tasks.


Music Therapy & Self Expression

Music has long been recognized as an effective form of therapy, and playing the guitar is no exception. Whether you are playing a simple tune or working on a complex piece, playing the guitar can be a great way to relax and release stress. As you progress in your learning, you will also develop the ability to express and release your emotions through playing, which can be therapeutic. Whether you are looking to cope with a challenging situation or simply want to release some creative energy, playing the guitar is a great way to do so.


Playing the Guitar is Fun!

Finally, the most important benefit of learning guitar is that it is just plain fun! Whether you are learning with friends or family, or simply enjoying some solo practice, playing the guitar is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. There is no better way to enjoy the many benefits of playing an instrument than by simply enjoying the process of playing. With the right attitude and approach, learning guitar can be a wonderful and enriching experience that will provide benefits that last a lifetime. Learn about our Electric Guitar Lessons Here. The Course Outline:

In this course, children will learn the fundamentals of playing the guitar, including the different parts of the guitar, how to hold a pick, strumming by hand, basic chords, and music theory. They will also learn to read sheet music and understand key signatures.

Anatomy of the guitar
Anatomy of the guitar

  1. Parts of the Guitar: In this section, we will go over the different components of a guitar and their functions. This will include the headstock, the neck, the frets, the nut, the strings, the body, the bridge, and the pickups. Understanding these parts is essential for a beginner to start playing the guitar effectively. It is also crucial for the students to be familiar with the different types of guitars, such as acoustic, electric, classical, and bass. This section will also cover how to properly tune a guitar using an electronic tuner or by ear.

  2. How to Hold the Pick: A proper pick grip is essential for producing clear and articulate sounds when playing the guitar. In this section, we will go over the different techniques for holding the pick and how to use it to strum the strings. The students will learn how to use the right amount of pressure to produce the desired sound and how to alternate between up and down strumming. They will also learn how to use different types of picks and when to use them.

  3. Strumming by Hand: In this section, we will cover strumming patterns that can be played by hand. The students will learn how to create different sounds and rhythm by alternating between strumming with the thumb and fingers. They will also learn how to incorporate this technique into their playing to add depth and texture to their sound.

  4. Basic Chords and Chord Shapes: This section will cover the basic chords used in guitar playing and how to form them. The students will learn how to play open chords and how to use chord diagrams to find the correct finger placement. They will also learn how to play barre chords and move between different chords smoothly.

  5. Music Theory and Reading Sheet Music: In this section, we will go over the basics of music theory, including rhythm, melody, harmony, and scales. The students will learn how to read sheet music and how to play the notes on the guitar. This will also include an introduction to playing in different keys and understanding key signatures.

  6. Fingerpicking: Fingerpicking is an essential technique for guitar playing, allowing players to create intricate and complex sounds. In this section, the students will learn how to use their thumb and fingers to pick individual strings, creating arpeggios and accompaniments. The students will also learn how to integrate finger picking into their playing, creating a more dynamic and sophisticated sound.

  7. Playing their Artist of Choice: In this section, the students will have the opportunity to choose an artist they admire and learn how to play one of their songs. This will allow the students to put into practice what they have learned and also to play music they enjoy. The teacher will guide the students in finding the appropriate sheet music or tab, and in understanding the chord progressions, strumming patterns, and other elements of the song.

  8. Listening to Music and Learning How to Play by Ear: In this section, the students will learn how to listen to music and pick out the chords and rhythm. They will learn how to use their ears to play by ear, a critical skill for any musician. The students will also learn how to transcribe songs and how to play along with recordings. This section will provide the students with the tools they need to be able to play any song they hear, opening up a world of possibilities for their musical exploration.


In conclusion, learning to play the guitar and studying music theory can be a fun and enriching experience for children. With its numerous benefits, including improving behavior, memory, and intelligence, developing social skills, and boosting self-esteem, playing the guitar.

Contact

Legends Guitar Lessons Austin Tx info@LegendsGuitarLessons.com 737-215-7848


1 Comment


Keegan Williams
Dec 11, 2023

Learning guitar offers an array of benefits for kids! Beyond mastering chords and strumming, it fosters discipline, creativity, and cognitive development. This article seems like a fantastic resource for parents keen on understanding the holistic advantages of introducing their kids to guitar. From enhancing fine motor skills to boosting confidence and problem-solving abilities, the journey of learning guitar can shape a child's character and open up a world of musical expression. It's inspiring to see how music education can positively impact a child's growth and development! You can also post your child's songs on the Deezer music platform and promote them using buy deezer plays: https://artistpush.me/products/buy-deezer-plays

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